With nearly 100,000 reached Cycling UK’s ‘Real Yellow Jersey’ shows how two wheels can change lives

Launched over 10 years ago, Cycling UK’s The Big Bike Revival started off as a project to restore old bikes and encourage more people to cycle. Over the years, it has evolved to reshape perceptions of cycling safety, break down social and cultural barriers, and inspire hundreds of thousands of individuals to cycle for shorter journeys.

In the last year, the programme reached 96,642 people through over 3,000 events across England. It was delivered through Cycling UK’s network of 295 community delivery partners and bike recycling hubs across the country, helping people not just discover the practical, financial and wellbeing benefits of cycling, but literally changing their lives as well.

The newly published impact report shows that 46% of participants started cycling more for local trips, resulting in an estimated 93,230 additional cycling trips because of the programme. Significantly, 64% of those new cycling trips replaced journeys previously made by car, demonstrating the programme’s contribution to healthier communities and more sustainable local travel.

Increasing cycling can both save money for the individual and boost local economies, for example through improved public health, reduced congestion and lower air pollution. The new report shows that for every £1 invested, The Big Bike Revival generated between £6.97 and £17.46 in benefits. Overall, the scheme has saved the country between £21.9 million and £54.2 million in 2025/2026.

However, The Big Bike Revival hasn’t just helped reshape local transport across communities and delivered material benefits. The evidence-led, national programme has also had a huge benefit to people’s wellbeing, with 90% of participants saying they felt happier thanks to attending a Big Bike Revival activity, and 64% reporting increased physical wellbeing due to being more active.

Cycling UK has now awarded handknitted jerseys in Tour de France yellow to four exceptional people who have used cycling to change their lives and inspire more of us to ride our bikes. In the Tour de France, the yellow jersey has been worn by the overall leader since its introduction to the race over 100 years ago in 1919. It’s an iconic sporting symbol recognised throughout the world.

But the Real Yellow Jersey recognises that cycling isn’t just about sport. It’s a powerful everyday activity that supports health, independence and connection, and plays a vital role in tackling some of society’s biggest challenges, from climate change and air pollution to obesity and mental health.

This October, Cycling UK recognised four people:

• Becky Freeburn, 33, from Leeds, a mum who cares for a child with additional needs, and needed something meaningful to do in her life to give balance alongside often complex and tiring caring responsibilities. Cycling provided a space for her to do something completely separate, a vital mental break and a sense of personal identity beyond her home life.
• Karen Schofield, 66, from Falmouth, for whom cycling has provided a new lease of life after long-term challenges with her mental health and anxiety which had led to isolation.
• Mohamed Sesay, 42, Manchester, who learned to ride a bike for the first time in his early 40s, encouraged by his children. For Mohamed, it marks a proud milestone and a way to be more connected with his family, as well as well as a practical way to travel and save money.
• Richard Chapman, 46, from Manchester, for whom rediscovering cycling as an adult, almost by accident through learning to ride a unicycle, has become an important part of his mental health recovery. It’s been a life-changing journey, where the non-judgmental community he found has inspired him to give back, and he is now actively helping others discover the same benefits.

Read all four case studies online at: Real Yellow Jersey.

Download images here.

James Scott, Director of Behaviour Change at Cycling UK, said:
“The benefits of cycling are often underestimated, but it can have a huge impact on both individuals and communities, making neighbourhoods safer, healthier and more prosperous places. The Big Bike Revival proves this year after year, saving people money and improving wellbeing.

“That’s why we celebrate the Real Yellow Jersey campaign, to spotlight people who have used bikes to overcome life challenges, connect with their communities, get more active and live greener lives. The Real Yellow Jersey celebrates everyday cycling, how transformational it can be, and is a call to encourage more people to discover its joys.”